2439 Tessear Sanotaria

Dear Gail
Your codice fiscale is still needed for all sorts of things so keep it handy. Your tessera sanitaria will be needed for all your prescriptions. Certain prescriptions have discounts, ie ones you can't normally buy from the pharmacist such as anti biotics, but throat gargle you pay the same price as other across counter medications. Prescriptions for children are free, I think. One of my kids has epilepsy and has a special white card so that all his expenses to do with his condition are free, specialists, ECGs and daily medication. The other rarely gets sick so I can't remember the last time he needed a specialist and I don't think I paid.
For your local doctor you don't pay for consultations. If he recomends a specialist you need to take your tessera to the local hospital to make an appointment and it's usually an idea to pay the small levy at the same time. Or return before the appointment and pay then.
I have also had a opperation and was not required to pay.
It's a good idea to Google "Italian Medical System" and see what you get. several good sites such as knowital have easy to read info. Another says that a WHO report in 2000 rated Italy second out of 191 countries, that's reassuring. I've certainly found it to be brilliant.
good luck

Christine

[QUOTE=gailsomers]I have just recieved my Tessear Sanitaria- as far as I understand it, this WILL replace the Codice Fiscale and if presented at a hospital for treatment or hospitalisation will not involve any cost ?!.

I did read something a year ago or so that this card would carry important info; ie blood group, etc etc. Can anyone englighten me on this point. At the moemt I am regesered with a doctor locally, but so far he has no idea of blood group.

In anticipation thanks.[/QUOTE]

There have been various adverts in the press advertising the new 'Tessera Sanitaria' - the adverts claim it is both "tessera sanitaria e codice fiscale insieme" It is in effect the Italian version of the new EHIC that replaces the old E111. All Italian citizens will recieve one and the advantage is that it entitles the holder to recieve medical treatment in Italy and throughout Europe. The adverts also state that it will be valid as "tesserino di codice fiscale" Further information is available on [url]www.sistemats.it[/url] The new card resembles a credit card and does not change existing rights to medical treatment.
Regards
Anne2

Hi
I read in the local newspaper that although we will have this new 'credit card' type of tessera sanitaria - they strongly advise you not to throw out your old one.
Karen

Thank you all for info. As you know I have recieved mine, but partner has not. Who do I apply to for his ?

you go to the questura... i think they didnt add in personal info yet because of the civil liberty and information restrictions...